A recent attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist town in Kashmir, has left the region in shock. This incident marks the deadliest attack on civilians in the area in the last twenty years. Both India and Pakistan claim this territory, which has been a source of conflict since the two nations were divided in 1947.
In the days leading up to the attack, troops from India and Pakistan exchanged gunfire across the border. This has raised concerns about potential military responses from India, reminiscent of past actions taken after similar attacks in 2016 and 2019.
In the wake of the violence, Indian authorities have launched extensive searches in Kashmir, detaining over 1,500 people for questioning. The situation continues to evolve, with more detentions reported but exact numbers remaining unclear. Authorities have also demolished the homes of at least ten individuals suspected of being militants, one of whom is believed to have connections to the attack.
The region of Kashmir has a long history of armed conflict, with an insurgency against Indian rule beginning in 1989. Militants have often targeted both security personnel and civilians. Following the Pahalgam attack, Indian police have identified three of the four suspected attackers. Among them are two Pakistani nationals and one local man from Kashmir. The identity of the fourth suspect remains unknown.
Survivors of the attack reported that the gunmen appeared to specifically target Hindu men, which has sparked outrage across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to track down the perpetrators, stating that they will face severe consequences for their actions.
While a group called the Resistance Front initially claimed responsibility for the attack, they later denied involvement. This group is said to have ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a militant organization based in Pakistan. As the investigation continues, the uncertainty surrounding the attackers and their motives adds to the tension in this already volatile region.